F.A. Vase

In 1974, the F.A. abolished the distinction between professional and
amateur footballlers, giving everyone the same status of "players". This
meant the F.A. Amateur Cup needed changing. Some of the senior ex-amateur
clubs joined the F.A. Trophy, which had been started five years earlier to
cater for the semi-professional clubs of similar standard, while the F.A. Vase
was born for over 200 clubs from below the top level of non-league football to
compete on a supposedly equal footing. Two finalists emerged from the South East,
with underdogs Hoddesdon Town getting the better of Epsom & Ewell by the odd
goal in three in a Wembley final

Looking back to those clubs who competed in the first F.A. Vase shows
some contrasting fortunes. Some, like Aylesbury United and Forest Green Rovers,
have climbed up and reached the Football Conference, only one step away from
League football. Others have drifted away, or folded altogether. Some,
like Donnington Wood, Lostock Gralam, Midland Athletic, Moulton, Swindon Victoria or
Viney St Swithins never competed at F.A. Vase level again